Monthly Archives: October 2015

New Adventures

New England Part Two

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We just got back from a whirlwind visit with Chelsea in Alexandria, Virginia, but more about that once I finish the posts for the New England trip, so stay tuned . . . .

While at Sunapee, before the boat was picked up to be winterized, we had a chance for one calm, cool booze cruise . . .↓Scotts Cove, Lake Sunapee. . . and a couple not quite so calm, including a chilly, breezy swing by the quirky Sunapee house of Stephen Tyler (of Aerosmith fame, for those who may be unfamiliar with the name, like my classical music loving dad) . . .↓ Stephen Tyler's Sunapee House(Mr. Tyler did not appear to be home, as the Jolly Roger flag was not flying. Whether he was or not, he did not invite us ashore.)

We also had a walk in the woods, where we found the Never Give Up Tree last year.  Consequently, it’s my favorite trail, but now sadly in need of TLC, with lots of trees down blocking the path, including one with a directional arrow pointing skyward. We chose to stay on the ground and appreciate the last of the season’s ferns . . .↓FernAnother day, we drove over to the east side of the lake to walk around The Fells . . .↓IMG_9033 (2). . . and discovered a magical little Fairy Village . . .↓

. . . where the young or young at heart can build houses for fairies. Lexi and I were enchanted, but David and Tom were apparently NOT feeling young at heart, so we didn’t stop long.

And on yet another day we headed up to Simon Pearce for lunch and a look at the glassblowers and their latest creations, stopping at Quechee Gorge on the way home . . . ↓

Then all too soon, it was time for Tom and Lexi to head home. We consoled ourselves by inviting the cousins, including the newest generation, down for cocktails . . . ↓

David and Eb in twin shirts – October 2015
Matt, Pola and Mason
Jenny and Vera
Vera
Mason on the Napping Couch

Skilled glassblowers and quirky musicians, curious babies and awe-inspiring nature, pristine landscaping and whimsical fairy houses. It’s all got me thinking of care and attention to the task at hand, while not losing sight of the mystery and magic of creation.

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning. ∼J.B. Priestley

Wishing you a bit of magic in your day!

(Third and final part coming soon . . .)

Coastal Cruising, New Adventures

New England Nostalgia Tour

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There’s a certain nostalgia and romance in a place you left. ∼David Guterson

Ah, home again! Just barely getting caught up after 16 days in New England. On the plus side, there are new adventures to tell you about, but way too much to share in one post, so this is Part One.

We left Colorado on October 1st, with traveling companions Tom and Lexi. The plan was to spend a few days, before heading to Sunapee, cruising up the coast from Boston, visiting various landmarks of their time living in the area.

On the tour, Tom’s seminary (see him waving?) . . . ↓

Gordon ConwellRed Barrel 2. . . and the now defunct Red Barrel, which we had visited on a previous trip. Sad to see it crumbling away into ruin.

Red Barrel 3Red Barrel Bus

Fortunately, since we had already experienced the Red Barrel, we had already planned to lunch at another of Tom and Lexi’s favorites, the still thriving Woodman’s in the Rough . . . ↓Lunch at Woodman's

. . . where a poster offers the excellent lobster-eating advice: “What gets out butter stains? Nothing. Wear a bib.”IMG_8939 (2)

The next day we did a bit more touring, including Rockport and Newburyport, but it was so cool and rainy, we decided to head to Sunapee a day early.

By Saturday evening, we were here . . .Sunapee Sunset

tom in my favorite reading spot, especially when the fire's going!

Here’s Tom trying out my favorite reading spot (especially when the fire’s going).

Of course a main draw of New England in the fall is the glorious foliage . . . Fall Leaves OverheadWe generally plan a longish stay in the fall to help close down the house for the season, but also to be sure we don’t miss the peak colors. This year they didn’t really get going until around the eighth, but then they were spectacular.Fall Foliage 4Sunapee Village

Couldn’t get enough of it. One of my favorite things about walking in the woods in the fall is the way it makes me want to look up . . . Looking Up

Things may be beginning to decay down below, but they’re glorious on high!

 By reading the scriptures I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The sky seems to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet. ∼Thomas Merton

Wishing you minimal disappointment when revisiting old haunts and a wonderful colorful fall! Part Two coming soon . . .